Argos hardware prices creep up

Argos’ games offering has felt the effect of the retailer being forced to increase its prices.

As reported earlier this month, the firm has raised many prices by five per cent due to global exchange rates and other pressures.

In its new catalogue, which was released last weekend, the retailer sells a standard Wii bundle (with Wii Sports) for £195.73 – over £15 more expensive than Nintendo’s RRP.

However, the rise reflects Nintendo’s decision to increase the console’s trade price by around £18 earlier this year. GAME stocks the same deal for £179.99 – and £164.99 online – while Amazon sells the Wii for £164.99.

In its new catalogue, Argos offers the Xbox 360 Elite for £224.79, just under £5 more than Amazon and GAME, which vend the SKU for £219.99.

Argos lists the PS3 at £293.79 – £4 more than Amazon, but actually £7 under the system’s SRP.

Despite expensive hardware, the catalogue also contains an impressive 12 pages of Wii games and accessories, as well as 13 pages of DS hardware and software. Elsewhere, it offers nine pages of Xbox 360 games and consoles and eight pages of PS3-specific products.

MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by NewBay Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets.